X Report 2 Jun 2025
SpaceX delays the launch of 23 Starlink satellites due to geomagnetic storm concerns, adjusting the schedule for an upcoming Falcon 9 mission.
CAT 3 (12546)
COSPAR: 1981-057C | Alt Name: CAT 03
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 19, 1981
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA1
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 1
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12546
International Designator
1981-057C
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:26:57 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
10.13°
Right Ascension
165.59°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
153.29°
Period
318.99 min
Mean Motion
4.51 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CAT 3
Alternative Name
CAT 03
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
ESA
Country
European Space Agency
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 12546U 81057C 26185.06039027 .00008966 00000-0 74980-3 0 9998
2 12546 10.1315 165.5923 5717186 153.2852 253.6557 4.51431315415823
Source: Celestrak
Summary
CAT 3 (1981-057C) is a vehicle evaluation satellite operated by ESA and manufactured by AERIT/CNEST. Launched on June 19, 1981, from ELA1 at FRGUI using an Ariane 1 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.8 meters in length with a diameter and span of 1.2 meters each. The satellite weighs 266 kg both at launch and dry mass. It is cylindrical in shape with a radar cross-section of 2.0458 square meters and uses batteries for power supply. Its primary mission was vehicle evaluation, lasting only six days after launch.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.8
Diameter
1.2
Span
1.2
Dry Mass
266
Launch Mass
266
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
2.0458
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
CAT 03
Purpose
Vehicle evaluation
Mission
Vehicle evaluation
Manufacturer
AERIT/CNEST
Life Expectancy
6 days
Bus
CAT
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
None
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 25 Aug 2025
SpaceX faced delays in launching its 10th Starship test flight while successfully deploying a Cargo Dragon to resupply the ISS, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration with NASA.
X Report 29 May 2025
SpaceX made strides in both Starship and Starlink missions this week, launching another round of satellites while concurrently testing their Starship capabilities amidst challenges.
X Report 28 Nov 2025
Today marks a significant milestone as SpaceX successfully launches another batch of Starlink satellites, boosting global connectivity efforts.
Space Brief 26 Oct 2024
Explore the recent signing of the Artemis Accords by Chile, Boeing's strategic considerations, and captivating space missions including China's satellite endeavors and the James Webb Space Telescope's latest discovery.
Space Force Awards Counter-Surveillance Payload Contracts | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force RCO awarded SBIR contracts for radar-detection payloads to counter adversary surveillance of U.S. satellites. Follow-on miniaturization effort already planned.
X Report 11 Nov 2025
SpaceX continues to dominate the space launch market with a new Starlink mission, breaking Florida's annual launch record. The latest batch of satellites enhances global broadband coverage.
Congress Passes FY2026 Bill Reinstating NASA Funding, Slingshot Wins $27M AI Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief
Congress passes FY2026 spending bill reinstating NASA funding. Slingshot Aerospace wins $27M Space Force contract for AI satellite training. Portal Space selects Atomic-6 debris shield for 2026 mission.